Modular building, prefabricated volume-module and method for production of a modular building

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a modular building of the type that comprises vertical frame columns ( 70 ) and a plurality of volume modules ( 2 ) prefabricated of sheet metal profiles ( 18 - 32 ) and being of rectangular horizontal section, which are supported by the columns ( 70 ) on two or more floor levels. The volume modules ( 2 ) are prefabricated with two frame edge beams ( 50 ) which are stronger than said sheet metal profiles ( 18 - 32 ) and which are horizontally extended along a respective upper end wall edge of the volume module ( 2 ) and which are on the one hand linearly connected with frame edge beams ( 50 ) of adjoining modules ( 2 ) on the same floor level and, on the other hand, connected to the columns ( 70 ) in such a manner that the horizontal position of the frame edge beams ( 50 ) relative to the columns ( 70 ) is fixed. The invention also relates to such a module and a method for manufacturing such a building.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to the technical field of modularbuildings and concerns on the one hand a modular building and, on theother hand, a volume module and a method for manufacturing the same.More specifically, the invention concerns modular buildings of the typehaving a plurality of prefabricated, essentially identical volumemodules of rectangular horizontal section, which are verticallysupported by vertical frame columns on a plurality of floor levels sothat each of them is only loaded by its dead weight and payload.

The invention makes it possible to manufacture such modular buildingsusing so-called lightweight construction engineering (in contrast totraditional building constructions) and with industrially prefabricatedlightweight modules that require a small number of mounting operationsat the building site.

BACKGROUND ART

WO 91/05118 discloses a modular building of the above type comprising askeleton or frame construction consisting of vertical frame columns andhorizontal bars and beams which are joined with each other in atorsionally rigid manner in joints of the frame construction. The largerthe building, the higher construction requirements are placed on therigidity of the frame of the building. Both horizontal forces (windforces) and vertical forces (payloads and dead weights) are transferredto the frame construction.

A drawback of this prior-art building according to WO 91/05118 isprecisely the existence of and requirements for such torsionally rigidjoints. It is a major technical problem to satisfy all the rigidityrequirements that are placed on a modular building, especially thetorsionally rigid joints where different materials, forces and functionsmeet. Joints belong to the most difficult problems in constructionengineering. The time required at the building site for forming thejoints is also an important factor.

SE 9404111-8, which concerns a solution to the above problems, disclosesa modular multistorey building which, with respect to force take-up, isdivided into on the one hand an inner zone, which takes up verticalforces and comprises frame columns with the volume modules suspendedtherefrom on several floor levels and which essentially does not take upany lateral forces acting on the building and, on the other hand, afaçade zone, which is arranged immediately outside the inner zone andadapted to take up lateral forces for lateral stabilisation of the innerzone and hence the entire building. The façade zone comprises aplurality of façade panel elements distributed along the outside of theinner zone and vertically oriented perpendicular to the façade of thebuilding. In this solution, use is not made of horizontal beams asincluded in prior-art frame constructions. The payloads and dead weightsof the modules are distributed over and taken up by the columns in theinner zone while most of the horizontal wind forces acting on thebuilding are taken up by the façade panel elements arrangedperpendicular to the façade in the façade zone outside the inner zone.

While the problem of torsionally rigid joints is at least partiallysolved in SE 9404111-8, a new problem arises, viz. that the requiredsize and cost of the horizontally stabilising façade zone rapidlyincrease as the number of floors in the building increases. Besides, thesolution involving a special façade zone is in itself not quitesatisfactory.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the invention is therefore to provide a solution formodular building systems of the type stated by way of introduction,which eliminates or at least reduces the above problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a modular building isprovided, comprising a plurality of vertical frame columns and aplurality of volume modules prefabricated of sheet metal profiles andhaving a rectangular horizontal section, which are supported by thecolumns on two or more floor levels. The building according to theinvention is characterised in that the volume modules are alsoprefabricated with two frame edge beams which are stronger than saidsheet metal profiles and which are horizontally extended along arespective upper end wall edge of the volume module and which are on theone hand linearly connected with front edge beams of adjoining moduleson the same floor level and, on the other hand, connected to the columnsin such a manner that the horizontal position of the frame edge beamsrelative to the columns is fixed.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a method formanufacturing a modular building is provided, comprising the followingsteps:

-   -   prefabricating rectangular volume modules of sheet metal        profiles, each module also being prefabricated with two frame        edge beams which are stronger than the sheet metal profiles and        are horizontally extended along a respective upper end wall edge        of the module; and    -   mounting at the building site the prefabricated volume modules        on two or more floor levels by means of vertical frame columns,        frame edge beams of adjoining modules on each floor level being        interconnected linearly before the modules of the next floor        level are mounted.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a module is provided formanufacturing a building as defined above and for use in the method asdefined above.

Preferred embodiments of the building, the method and the moduleaccording to the invention are stated in the dependent claims.

Since the modules that are used according to the invention are made upof sheet metal profiles—and thus are to be considered “lightweightmodules”—it is preferred for the modules, in per se prior-art manner, tobe supported by the columns in such a manner that they are verticallyloaded essentially only by their dead weight and payloads.

The sheet metal profiles from which the volume modules are madepreferably have a material thickness of less than 4 mm, preferably inthe range 0.5-3 mm. A preferred embodiment is in the order of 2 mm.

The stronger frame edge beams included in the volume modules consist,like the vertical frame columns, preferably of steel beams, such asrolled steel, with a wall thickness which preferably is greater than 4mm.

The term “volume module” does not relate to a normally closed volume inthe first place, but rather a constructionally and initially open roomor framework of sheet metal profiles without side walls, i.e. a moduleor cassette defined by geometric surfaces (imaginary walls), referred toas an open system unit. Each “volume module” included in a buildingaccording to the invention can be adjusted entirely to the desired formand function of the building and may especially constitute a room of itsown or part of a room with adjoining volume modules on the same floorlevel. Thus, the volume modules can be provided with wall-formingvertical panel elements, at the factory and/or at the building site,according to how the building is divided into rooms.

According to the invention, the “prefabricated modules” areprefabricated with at least their sheet metal profiles and their frameedge beams. Prefabrication usually includes also many other elements,such as board material, infill etc, as will be described below. By“prefabricated” is here meant the state of the module when beingpositioned in the column frame at the building site. Normally,everything can be prefabricated at the factory, but it is alsoconceivable that certain parts are mounted later, both before and afterpositioning the modules in the column frame.

An advantage of the invention is that it makes it possible to stabilisean open, column-supported lightweight structure for taking up thecomplex of forces that arise in a building. High material efficiency canbe achieved by using lightweight construction engineering.

The invention especially makes it possible to manufacture a modularlightweight building from prefabricated volume modules, here calledlightweight modules. Use of industrially prefabricated lightweightmodules has in itself several advantages related to precision, quality,cost and efficiency, such as a small number of mounting operations atthe building site and, thus, a short building time.

A special advantage of the invention is that it makes it possible—bymeans of the stronger frame edge beams at the upper end wall edges ofthe modules—to partly integrate the frame stabilisation into thelightweight modules. This can be expressed in such a manner that partsof the frame stabilisation which in prior-art systems are provided witha heavy, separate skeleton or frame construction according to theinvention are instead integrated into the actual modules. By integratingthe frame stabilisation partly into the modules, the advantage isobtained that the structure of the modules is reinforced and will havethe required stability in spite of its light construction. As will bedescribed below, additional components may also be included in themodules for additional integration of the frame stabilisation into themodules.

An advantage of the invention is that the modular building can bemanufactured in such a manner that joints positioned adjacent to thecolumns need not take up moments for frame stabilisation. In a preferredembodiment of the invention, in frame stabilisation the joints areessentially intended merely for horizontal and vertical transfer offorces whereas wind forces acting on the building can instead be takenup by frame-stabilising surfaces formed as panels and/or framework.

The invention makes it possible to achieve the above advantages while atthe same time the joints positioned adjacent to the frame columns aredesigned in such a manner that the lightweight modules in the façade ofthe building can be extended horizontally past the joints. This gives ahigh degree of flexibility and allows different house widths with thesame base module dimensions, without necessitating changes of the frameand stabilising system (the same columns, the same volume modules, thesame beams, the same joints etc). Such requirements in connection withdifferent house widths are highly frequent.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, theconcept “frame stabilisation integrated into the modules” includes notonly the above-mentioned frame edge beams, but also what will below bereferred to as “frame-stabilising surfaces”. The term “frame-stabilisingsurface” should here be understood as a surface in the geometric senseand can be implemented with panel elements and/or with framework.Frame-stabilising surfaces included in the volume modules and thebuilding act to take up horizontal shear forces. This adds to the factthat the joints between the frame edge beams and the frame columns neednot take up moments, which in turn makes construction and erection lessexpensive and easier.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, eachmodule is prefabricated with a roof panel element fixed to the frameedge beams of the module and/or to the upper longitudinal sheet metalprofiles of the module. During mounting of each floor level, the systemsof joists are joined so that the board effect thereof may be utilised.Thus, such roof panel elements may be connected horizontally so as tojointly form a larger frame-stabilising horizontal surface. Suchframe-stabilising surfaces can in turn be combined in a suitable mannerwith special stabilising wall elements and/or staircases, for instancemade of steel or concrete in the traditional manner.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The above and other advantages, features and preferred embodiments ofthe invention will now be described in more detail with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an inventive volumemodule formed as a lightweight module.

FIG. 1A corresponds to FIG. 1 but shows a lightweight module which ispartly open.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged detail of an upper corner of the lightweightmodule in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows schematically the roof plane of the lightweight module inFIG. 1 and parts of an adjoining module.

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged detail of the area marked C1 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows schematically the bottom plane of the lightweight module inFIG. 1 and parts of an adjoining module.

FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a long side of the lightweight modulein FIG. 1 and also shows two frame columns.

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of an end wall of the lightweight modulein FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged detail of the area marked C2 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a broken-away vertical section which shows trapezoidal metalsheets and side bars of two adjoining lightweight modules.

FIG. 10 is schematic perspective view of a lightweight module accordingto FIG. 1 supported by vertical frame columns.

FIG. 11 is a vertical section and shows parts of an embodiment of abuilding according to the invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic top plan view of an embodiment of a buildingaccording to the invention formed as a 6-module system and illustratesneutral zones between the modules.

FIG. 13 is a schematic top plan view of the 6-module system in FIG. 12and illustrates the principle of horizontal frame stabilisation whensubjected to wind loads.

FIG. 14 is a schematic top plan view of a building according to theinvention formed as a double module system and illustrates horizontalframe stabilisation.

FIG. 15 is a vertical section according to FIG. 11 supplemented withforce arrows that illustrate vertical frame stabilisation.

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of a column portion.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the lower part of a column portion.

FIG. 18 is a bottom plan view of a coupling device.

FIG. 19 is a first side view of the coupling device in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a second side view of the coupling device in FIG. 18.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show in perspective from above and from below,respectively, two column portions with an intermediate coupling device.

FIG. 23 is a schematic horizontal section of a joint between two moduleson the same floor level.

FIG. 24 is a schematic side view—seen towards a frame column—of a jointbetween two modules on adjoining floor levels.

FIG. 25 is a schematic side view of a joint—seen from a framecolumn—between two modules on adjoining floor levels.

FIG. 26 is a schematic exploded view of a joint between three modules.

FIGS. 27-30 are schematic perspective views of a joint seen fromdifferent directions and with different parts uncovered, to illustratethe construction and function of the joint.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

With reference to the accompanying drawings, now follows a descriptionof an embodiment of a modular lightweight building according to theinvention, manufactured from volume modules according to the inventionand made by a manufacturing method according to the invention. Likecomponents have throughout been given the same reference numerals.

Reference is first made to FIGS. 1-9, which show a volume module,generally designated 2. The module 2 is intended to be manufactured at alocation other than the building site, preferably at a factory so as tomake it possible to utilise the advantages of the factory in respect ofrational handling of materials, quality and efficiency. At the buildingsite, the volume modules are positioned by means of a crane. At thefactory, the volume modules can be customised according to requirementsand be provided with the necessary components. Since the entire innermounting of infill and installation components can also take place atthe factory, high-technological and accuracy-requiring operations cantake place within the controllable environment of the factory. They canthus be equipped as sanitary modules, dwelling modules etc.

The wall faces of the module, i.e. its two long sides 4 and its twoshort sides or end walls 6, can be opened so that a completed room ismade up of one or more modules 2, depending on where wall elements aremounted on the volume modules. Such wall elements can be factory-mountedand/or mounted at the building site.

The volume module 2 is of rectangular horizontal section, which in thisembodiment has the dimensions 3.9 m*7.8 m, including what is belowreferred to as “neutral zones” NZ between the modules 2 (FIGS. 12 and23). The height of the module is in the shown example 3 m (FIG. 11).

The volume module 2 is defined by the following geometric planes (seeFIGS. 3 and 5): two vertical side wall planes 4, two vertical end wallplanes 6, a horizontal roof plane 8 and a horizontal bottom plane 10.The vertical planes 4 and 6 can be more or less closed by means of boardmaterial, as schematically shown at reference numeral 12 in FIG. 6.

The roof plane 8 and the bottom plane 10 of the module 2 are normallyclosed by panel elements 14 and 16, respectively, of which broken-awayparts are shown schematically in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5 in the form oftrapezoidal metal sheet.

The volume module 2 is according to the invention made of sheet metalprofiles (beams/girders/bars/panel elements/trapezoidal metal sheets).The sheet metal profile elements preferably have a material thickness of1-4 mm, preferably less than 3 mm and most preferred less than or equalto 2 mm.

More specifically, the module 2 comprises the following sheet metalprofiles:

-   -   two top beams (roof edge profiles) 18 and two bottom beams        (bottom edge profiles) 20 which form the longitudinal edges of        the roof plane 8 and the floor plane 10;    -   a plurality of roof bars 22 and floor bars 24 which are extended        between and connected with the top beams 18 and the bottom beams        20, respectively;    -   a plurality of vertical end wall bars 26 along the end wall        planes 6 of the module and a plurality of vertical side wall        bars 28 along the side wall planes 4 of the volume module        (vertical bars can be excluded to some extent),    -   upper and lower horizontal, side wall bar carrying U profiles 30        (FIG. 9) which extend along and are mounted on the outsides of        the top beams 18 and bottom beams 20 and in which the vertical        side wall bars 28 are inserted and joined,    -   upper and lower horizontal end wall bar carrying U profiles 32        (FIG. 25) in which the vertical end wall bars 28 are inserted        and joined, and    -   a horizontal U profile 34 (FIG. 25) along the lower edge of each        end wall plane 6 for mounting of insulation 36.

The end wall bars 26 and the side wall bars 28 in FIG. 1 can beexcluded, when required. The four corner bars and the two central sidewall bars 28′ (FIG. 1) in each side wall plane 4 cannot, however, beexcluded, but are required for transferring of loads. FIG. 1A shows anexample of a module 2 where one end wall 6 and one long side 4 have beenhalf-opened for communication with adjoining volume modules (not shown)in the completed building.

Wall boards 12, such as gypsum boards, fibreboards and particle boards,are mounted on the vertical bars 26, 28, as schematically shown in FIG.6. For instance, six wall boards 12 can be mounted along each modulelong side 4 in two relatively offset layers. The inner layer is screwedto the vertical side wall bars 28.

According to the principle of the invention, the volume module 2 isprefabricated with two frame edge beams 50 which are stronger than thesheet metal profiles. The frame edge beams 50 have several purposes forforce transfer, as will be described in more detail below. They are usedto transfer forces to adjoining frame edge beams, adjoining framecolumns, adjoining modules, adjoining frame-stabilising surfaces andspecial frame-stabilising systems. A special purpose of the frame edgebeam 50 is to form tie beams and compressed beams in connected moduleson each floor level.

The frame edge beams 50 consist in the shown example of rolled steelbeams having a square cross-section of 10*10 cm and a material thicknessof 5 mm.

The frame edge beams 50 are horizontally extended along a respectiveupper end wall edge of the module 2 where they are mounted in andcarried by the two top beams 18. In the shown preferred embodiment, theframe edge beams 50 and the two top beams 18 are located in a commonhorizontal plane coinciding with the roof plane 8. This is advantageousboth with regard to horizontal force transfer between these componentsand with regard to the possibility of extending the room volume of themodule 2 in the longitudinal direction of the modules past the frameedge beams 50. More specifically, as best seen on a larger scale in FIG.2, the top beams 18 formed as C profiles are at their ends provided withvertical openings, which preferably match the outer dimensions of theframe edge beams 50. The frame edge beams 50 extend through theseopenings and have on the outsides of the top beams 18 free beam ends 52formed with mounting holes 53 for a coupling device that will bedescribed below.

As best seen in FIGS. 3, 23-25 and 28, the stronger frame edge beams 50are attached to the lighter top beams 18 by means of threaded tensionrods 54, four for each module. As best seen in FIG. 28, an angularfixing mount 56 for each tension rod 54 is fixedly mounted in the topbeam 18. Each tension rod 54 extends through the fixing mount 56,through a hole in the outer roof bar 22 and through a hole in the frameedge beam 50. The tension rods 54 are fixed by means of plates 58 andnuts 60. The tension rods 54 serve to transfer horizontal forces betweenthe frame edge beams 50 and the top beams 18 in the longitudinaldirection of the latter. In the first place, the tension rods 54 aim attaking up horizontal forces which strive to displace the frame edgebeams 50 away from the module 2 in the longitudinal direction of the topbeams 18.

As mentioned above, the roof plane 8 and the bottom plane 10 of themodule 2 are normally closed by panel elements 14 and 16, respectively,which in the preferred embodiment are made of trapezoidal-profiled sheetmetal, which can also advantageously accompany the prefabricated module.The TRP metal sheet is used to transfer horizontal forces to the cornersof the module and the frame edge beams 50. It is to be noted that thepanel elements 14, 16 also form part of the above-mentioned “sheet metalprofiles” of the module and preferably are included in the prefabricatedmodule, especially the bottom metal sheet 16.

FIGS. 10-14, to which reference is now made, illustrate additionalcomponents in embodiments of a building according to the invention.

FIG. 10 schematically shows how a volume module 2 as described above issuspended from six vertical frame columns 70 (four corner columns andtwo central columns), which form part of the loadbearing frame of thebuilding. Each frame column 70 is divided into a number of prefabricatedcolumn portions 72, which preferably have such a length that each column70 comprises a column portion 72 for each floor level.

The column portions 72 are preferably steel beams, such as rolled steel.They are dimensioned according to vertical forces and accidental loads.The steel frame is designed so that stabilising forces can betransferred to stabilising units and foundation.

As shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 16, each column portion 72 is at its lowerend prefabricated with a horizontally projecting bottom flange 74 (40*30cm in the shown example). Each bottom flange 74 is provided with fourmounting holes 78, and in the corner columns the bottom flanges 74 arealso provided with four upwardly directed stop lugs 76 (FIG. 16) whichcooperate with stop lugs 38 in the lower corner portions of the modules2 (FIGS. 24 and 32).

The frame columns 70 are torsionally rigidly mounted in the foundation80 in a suitable manner, for instance by means of plinths 82 accordingto FIG. 11, which is a schematic side view of a building.

In addition to the frame columns 70, a building according to theinvention can preferably comprise special frame-stabilising elements.

FIG. 12, which is a schematic top plan view of a building according tothe invention formed as a 6-module system, shows two such outerframe-stabilising elements in the form of end walls 90 of the building.They can be made of concrete or steel and extend the entire height ofthe building.

FIG. 14, which is a schematic top plan view of a building according tothe invention formed as a double module system, shows schematically fiveframe-stabilising elements in the form of walls 92 of the building whichextend the entire height of the building.

In such special frame-stabilising elements, other elements can also beincluded, such as staircases and/or vertically standing façade panelelements.

A building according to the embodiment is mounted in the followingmanner.

First the column portions 72 of the first floor level are mounted in asuitable manner in the foundation 80 (FIG. 11).

Subsequently, the prefabricated modules 2 of the first floor level(including the accompanying frame edge beams 50) are lifted by means ofa crane and lowered between the column portions 72 so that each module 2is made to rest on the bottom flanges 74 of six column portions 72. Oncethe modules 2 are positioned, a neutral zone NZ (FIGS. 12 and 23) ispresent between neighbouring modules 2, which neutral zone in thecompleted building can be bridged in a convenient manner in roof and/orfloor if adjoining modules 2 are to be interconnected. Specifically, theinterconnection of the roof elements of the modules can effectivelycontribute to the stabilisation of the building. The interconnection ofthe floors of the modules makes it possible to form larger rooms. Oncethe modules 2 are positioned, the frame edge beams 50 are located in acommon plane with the column portions 72, as best seen in FIGS. 23-25.

It is preferred for the length of the frame edge beams 50 to be suchthat they extend with their free beam ends 52 into the neutral zone NZand end at a small distance, suitable with regard to tolerances, fromthe frame columns 70.

It should be noted that the modules 2 on the first floor level are nowsupported completely at the bottom, whereas the frame edge beams 50 havenot yet been connected with the columns 70.

It should also be noted that the stop lugs 76 of the bottom flanges 74cooperate with the stop lugs 38 of the modules 2, thereby counteractinghorizontal lateral displacement of the modules 2.

After having positioned the modules of the first floor level, the frameedge beams 50 are locked to each other and to the column portions 72. Inthe preferred embodiment, this is carried out by a coupling device 100(FIGS. 18-20) separate from the column portions 72, which is used forboth interconnections. The coupling device 100 is in the shownembodiment made of three steel sheets welded together: one top sheet 102and two side sheets 104 with mounting holes 106 and 108/110respectively.

As is evident especially from FIGS. 23 and 26, such a coupling device100 is arranged on the column portion 72 where two frame edge beams 50meet, the top sheet of the coupling device resting on the top of thecolumn portion 72. By means of the two side sheets 104, the beam ends 52of adjoining modules 2 are connected directly with each other, usingbolted joints in the mounting holes 108 and 53. Since the side sheets104 extend on either side of and immediately adjacent to the columnportion 72 (FIG. 23), the frame edge beams 50 are also locked laterallyrelative to the frame columns 70. Furthermore the coupling device 100 islocked to the column portion 72 using bolted joints in the mountingholes 110. The frame beams 50 which accompanied the prefabricatedlightweight modules 2 are now included as an integrated part of theframe construction of the building and can efficiently transfer forces.

Having arranged the modules 2 of the first floor level on the columnportions 72, the roof trapezoidal metal sheets 14 of adjoining modules 2are interconnected by means of separate panel elements in the form oftrapezoidal metal sheets 15 rotated through 90 degrees (FIG. 23). Thus alarger continuous frame-stabilising surface is formed on the floorlevel.

Subsequent floor levels are then mounted in the same way. In the framecolumns 70 where coupling devices 100 are included, the column portions72 on the second floor level will be arranged with their bottom flanges74 on top of the coupling device 100 and connected by bolted jointsthrough the mounting holes 78 and 106. As an alternative, the couplingdevice 100 can be integrated into the column portions 72.

Different Module Systems

A module 2 according to the shown embodiment usually has a floor surfaceof about 27 m², or more if extended. By consolidating two or moremodules, they may be adjusted to optional layouts, as mentioned aboveand as indicated in FIG. 1A. The modules are delivered with or withoutside walls but are otherwise usually identical. The bottom flanges 74 ofthe corner columns 70 are loaded with one to four modules according tothe selected layout. The bottom flanges 74 of the central columns 70 areloaded with one or two modules according to the selected layout.

According to the selected layout, stabilisation may be accomplished infour different ways:

-   -   Single module system    -   Double module system    -   Multi module system    -   6-module system        Single Module System

Singe module system means that each module 2 takes its own stabilisingforce and conducts this vertically down to the foundation 80 throughsubjacent modules 2. The boards 12 in all four boundary walls 4, 6 areused as frame-stabilising surfaces.

FIG. 15, which corresponds to the vertical section in FIG. 11, showsschematically by means of force arrows how a horizontal wind force Facting on the second floor level is taken up by the building andtransferred directly vertically to the foundation. This is in contrastto other embodiments of the invention where the force can be transferredbetween horizontally adjoining modules. This makes it possible toeliminate outer stabilising façade elements, such as concrete walls.

The wind force F is transferred through the end wall of the module tothe floor and roof board 14, 16. Adjacent to the floor board 16, theforce is then transferred to the longitudinal bottom beams 20 of thismodule 2. Adjacent to the roof board 14, the force is transferredthrough vertical wall elements 12 down to the bottom beams 20.

Thus a horizontal compressive force F4 arises in the right joint, asindicated in FIG. 15. This horizontal compressive force F4 istransferred through the stop lugs 38, 50 to the column flange 74 andthrough the coupling device 100 down to the frame edge beam 50 of thesubjacent module 2. The force F4 is now taken up in the top beam 18 ofthe subjacent module 2 through two tension rods 54 which are connectedto the beam 50 precisely to take up such horizontal forces. A tensileforce F5 thus arises in the right joint and also in the left joint inFIG. 15.

In the left joint in FIG. 15, the force is now once again taken up bythe vertical panel element 12 of the module, as indicated by the forcearrow F6. Finally the wind force is transferred to the foundation 82.

Double Module System

Double module system (FIG. 14) means that each module 2 takes its ownstabilising force in the same way as the single system, except that anapartment-separating partition wall 92 is missing. A double room volumeis obtained. The systems of joists between the modules 2 are connectedso that the board effect in the systems of joists can be utilised. Thesystem can be combined with a stabilising steel frame.

In a double module system, only plinths 82 under the transverse walls 92are affected by stabilising forces.

A double module system can be supplemented with a stabilising steelframe arranged in the partition wall at a distance of maximum 4 modules.In this case, higher buildings can be erected.

Multi Module System

Multi module system means that the modules 2 are provided with an outerstabilising wall 90 arranged between each module. The wall is best madeof concrete cast in situ in the form of semiprefabricated parts, widthof the wall about 0.5 m.

Stabilising forces are transferred through the roof boards 14interconnected by means of the metal sheets 15—said roof boards jointlyforming a frame-stabilising surface in the roof plane 6 for each floorlevel—to outer stabilising constructions and do not affect the plinthfoundation 82.

6-Module System

6-module system (FIGS. 12 and 13) means that the systems of roof joistsbetween the modules 2 are connected with the metal sheets 15, therebymaking it possible to use the board effect.

The stabilising walls 90 or staircases are made of steel or concrete inthe traditional way.

Stabilising forces are transferred through the roof boards 14interconnected by means of the metal sheets 15—said roof boards jointlyforming a frame-stabilising surface in the roof plane 6 for each floorlevel—to outer stabilising constructions and do not affect the plinthfoundation 82. Thus, horizontal stability is achieved by theinterconnected roof boards and transferred to the end walls 90 of thebuilding by means of the interconnected frame edge beams 50. This iscontrary to the single module system where the horizontal stability isachieved through the board effect in the vertical (gypsum board) walls12.

In FIGS. 13 and 14, force arrows indicate schematically how a horizontal(distributed) wind load F coming sideways is taken up in the floorboards 14, 15 and is transferred to the mutually linearly interconnectedframe edge beams 50 on each floor level as tensile forces F1 andcompressive forces F2, respectively, which are transferred horizontallyto the end wall elements 90/92 which transfer the force F3 down to thefoundation 80.

The interconnected frame edge beams also act to keep the buildingtogether.

The invention, which has been illustrated above by way of an example,creates a technical solution for stabilisation an open lightweightbuilding structure, formed as column-supported systems of joists, andcan be implemented so that the modules can be prefabricated industriallyin a system which requires a small number of mounting operations at thebuilding site.

The complex of forces that arise in a building that is subjected to windforces and inclined forces can by means of the invention be taken up injoints to be transferred by board effect to stabilising units.

According to the invention, this can be realised with cooperating framebeams, boards, struts and screw joints, which can all be integrated intothe prefabricated lightweight modules and which at the building site areconnected to an outer frame by means of joints at the top and bottom ofthe column portions.

1. A modular building, comprising a plurality of vertical frame columnsand a plurality of volume modules prefabricated of sheet metal profilesand having a rectangular horizontal section, which are supported by thecolumns on two or more floor levels, wherein the volume modules are alsoprefabricated with two frame edge beams which are stronger than saidsheet metal profiles and which are horizontally extended along arespective upper end wall edge of the volume module and which are on theone hand linearly connected with frame edge beams of adjoining moduleson the same floor level and, on the other hand, connected to the columnsin such a manner that the horizontal position of the frame edge beamsrelative to the columns is fixed.
 2. A modular building as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the modules are supported by the columns in such amanner that they are vertically loaded only by their dead weight andpayloads.
 3. A modular building as claimed in claim 2, wherein themodules are vertically supported at least in their lower corner portionsby the columns while said frame edge beams transfer essentially onlyhorizontal forces.
 4. A modular building as claimed in claim 3, whereinthe modules rest on the flanges projecting horizontally from thecolumns.
 5. A modular building as claimed in claim 4, wherein each framecolumn consists of a number of separate column portions which each atthe its lower end have a horizontally projecting, module-supportingflange.
 6. A modular building as claimed in claim 4, wherein the lowercorner portions of the modules on the one hand and the module-supportingflanges of the columns on the other hand are provided with cooperatingmeans which counteract lateral displacement of the modules.
 7. A modularbuilding as claimed in claim 1, wherein each frame edge beam ispositioned between two frame columns in a vertical plane commontherewith.
 8. A modular building as claimed in claim 7, wherein eachpair of two linearly interconnected frame edge beams has a first beamend and a second beam end which are positioned on either side of anintermediate frame column to form therewith a joint and which beam endsare directly connected with each other with the aid of a coupling meanswhich bridges the frame column horizontally and on opposite sidesthereof to thus also fix the horizontal position of the frame edge beamsrelative to the frame column.
 9. A modular building as claimed in claim8, wherein each frame column is divided into linearly assembled columnportions, and wherein said coupling means is formed as a separatecoupling device, comprising on the one hand a horizontal top metal sheetwhich in the erection of the building is mounted between two columnportions and, on the other hand, two vertical, mutually parallelconnecting metal sheets which project downwards from the underside ofthe top metal sheet and which are extended on opposite sides of theframe column and connected with the beam ends of the frame edge beams.10. A modular building as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sheet metalprofiles included in each module comprise two horizontal roof edgeprofiles which each form an upper longitudinal edge of the module and inwhich the two frame edge beams of the module are supported.
 11. Amodular building as claimed in claim 10, wherein the frame edge beamsand the two roof edge profiles are located in a common horizontal plane.12. A modular building as claimed in claim 10, wherein the frame edgebeams are attached to the module in such a manner that horizontal forcescan be transferred between the roof edge profiles and the frame edgebeams perpendicular to the latter.
 13. A modular building as claimed inclaim 1, further comprising horizontal, frame-stabilising surfaces inthe form of panel elements and/or framework.
 14. A modular building asclaimed in claim 13, wherein each module is prefabricated with a roofpanel elements fixed to the frame edge beams of the module and wherein,on a given floor level, such floor panel elements are interconnected toa horizontal frame-stabilising surface.
 15. A modular building asclaimed in claim 1, comprising vertical, frame-stabilising surfaces. 16.A modular building as claimed in claim 15, wherein the modules areprefabricated with vertical wall elements, such as gypsum boards, toform said vertical frame-stabilising surfaces.
 17. A modular building asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said sheet metal profiles have a materialthickness of less than 4 mm.
 18. A modular building as claimed in claim1, wherein said sheet metal profiles have a material thickness in therange 0.5-3 mm, preferably about 2 mm.
 19. A modular building as claimedin claim 1, wherein the columns and the frame edge beams are steelbeams.
 20. A modular building as claimed in claim 1, wherein the columnsand the frame edge beams are steel beams with a material thickness of atleast 4 mm.
 21. A prefabricated volume module made of sheet metalprofiles and having a rectangular horizontal section, which module,together with other such modules, is adapted to form a modular buildingin which the modules are vertically supported by frame columns on two ormore floor levels, wherein the volume module is prefabricated with twoframe edge beams which are stronger than said sheet metal profiles, saidframe edge beams being horizontally extended along a respective upperend wall edge of the volume module and, in the modular building,linearly connected with frame edge beams of adjoining modules on thesame floor level.
 22. A module as claimed in claim 21, wherein saidsheet metal profiles comprise two horizontal roof edge profiles, whicheach form an upper longitudinal edge of the module and which support theframe edge beams at the upper end wall edges of the module.
 23. A moduleas claimed in claim 22, wherein each frame edge beam has two oppositefree beam ends which are located horizontally outside the roof edgeprofiles and which, in the modular building, are connected withcorresponding free beam ends of adjoining modules on the same floorlevel.
 24. A module as claimed in claim 22, wherein the two frame edgebeams and the two roof edge profiles are located in a common horizontalplane.
 25. A module as claimed in claim 24, wherein the frame edge beamsextend through vertical openings of the frame edge profiles so as tohave said free beam ends on the outsides, directed away from each other,of the roof edge profiles.
 26. A module as claimed in claim 21, whereinthe frame edge beams are attached to the module in such a manner thattransfer of frame-stabilising horizontal forces is allowed between theroof edge profiles and the frame edge beams perpendicular to the latter.27. A module as claimed in claim 26, wherein each frame edge beam isattached to the two roof edge profiles by means of two horizontaltension rods, which each have an end connected with the frame edge beamand an end connected with the associated roof edge profile.
 28. A moduleas claimed in claim 27, wherein the roof edge profiles are formed as Cprofiles in which said tension rods are extended.
 29. A module asclaimed in claim 21, wherein the module is further provided with one ormore frame-stabilising surfaces in the form of panel elements and/orframework.
 30. A module as claimed in claim 21, wherein the module isprovided with a frame-stabilising surface in the form of ahorizontal-force-transferring roof panel element which is fixed to thetwo frame edge beams.
 31. A module as claimed in claim 30, wherein saidhorizontal-force-transferring roof panel element is made of trapezoidalmetal sheet.
 32. A module as claimed in claim 30, wherein saidhorizontal-force-transferring roof panel element is fixed also to atleast some profiles among said sheet metal profiles which form the roofof the module.
 33. A module as claimed in claim 21, wherein the moduleis provided with a frame-stabilising surface in the form of ahorizontal-force-transferring roof framework.
 34. A module as claimed inclaim 21, wherein the module is provided with one or moreframe-stabilising surfaces in the form of vertical-force-transferringwall panel elements which are fixed to the sides of the module.
 35. Amodule as claimed in claim 34, wherein said wall panel elements comprisegypsum boards.
 36. A module as claimed in claim 21, wherein said sheetmetal profiles have a material thickness of less than 4 mm.
 37. A moduleas claimed in claim 36, wherein said sheet metal profiles have amaterial thickness in the range 0.5-3 mm, preferably about 2 mm.
 38. Amodule as claimed in claim 21, wherein the frame edge beams are steelbeams.
 39. A module as claimed in claim 38, wherein the frame edge beamsare steel beams with a material thickness exceeding 4 mm.
 40. A moduleas claimed in claim 21, wherein the frame edge beams and the columnshave essentially the same horizontal width.
 41. A module as claimed inclaim 21, wherein, in the modular building, the lower corner portions ofthe module are supported by flanges projecting horizontally from thecolumns, and wherein the module further comprises means at its lowercorner portions adapted to cooperate with said flanges to preventhorizontal displacement of the module relative to the columns.
 42. Amodular building comprising a plurality of modules as claimed in any oneof claims 21-41, wherein frame edge beams of adjoining modules on thesame floor level are linearly interconnected so as to jointly transferhorizontal compressive forces and tensile forces in the building.
 43. Amethod for manufacturing a modular building, comprising the followingsteps prefabricating rectangular volume modules of sheet metal profiles,each module also being prefabricated with two frame edge beams which arestronger than the sheet metal profiles and which are horizontallyextended along a respective upper end wall edge of the module; andmounting at the building site the prefabricated volume modules on two ormore floor levels by means of vertical frame columns, frame edge beamsof adjoining modules on each floor level being interconnected linearlybefore the modules of the next floor level are mounted.
 44. A method asclaimed in claim 43, wherein the modules are mounted so that they arevertically loaded only by their dead weight and payloads.
 45. A methodas claimed in claim 44, wherein each frame column is divided into anumber of column portions corresponding to the number of floor levels,and wherein frame edge beams of adjoining modules on each floor levelare interconnected linearly and connected with the column portions ofthe floor level before the column portions and the modules of the nextfloor level are mounted.
 46. A method as claimed in claim 45, whereineach column portion has at its lower end a horizontally projectingbottom flange, and wherein the step of mounting the volume modulescomprises the following substeps for each floor level before the nextfloor level is mounted: mounting the column portions belonging to thefloor level, arranging the modules belonging to the floor level on topof the bottom flanges of the column portions belonging to the floorlevel, linearly interconnecting the frame edge beams of adjoiningmodules, and connecting the beam ends of the frame edge beams with thecolumn portions belonging to the floor level.
 47. A method as claimed inclaim 46, wherein the substep of interconnecting the frame edge beams oftwo adjoining modules and the substep of connecting the beam ends of theframe edge beams with the column portions are carried out as a commonsubstep by mounting a coupling means which is common for theseinterconnections.
 48. A method as claimed in claim 47, wherein the frameedge beams are positioned between the frame columns in vertical planescommon therewith, so as to form joints where two opposite beam ends arearranged on either side of a frame column and interconnected linearlyround the frame column by the common coupling means so that thehorizontal position of the frame edge beams relative to the columns isfixed.
 49. A method as claimed in claim 43, wherein the step ofprefabricating the volume modules comprises the following substeps:manufacturing an open volume of sheet metal profiles, comprising twohorizontal roof edge profiles which each form an upper longitudinal edgeof the module and which have vertical openings at the end walls (6) ofthe module, and mounting the frame edge beams in the vertical openingsof the frame edge profiles so that the frame edge beams on the outsides,directed away from each other, of the roof edge profiles have free beamends for linear connection with such free beam ends of the frame edgebeams of adjoining modules.